Affordable Care Act

Wednesday

Oct 9, 2013 at 11:30 AM

Discussion slated on Affordable Care Act

SNS

With the recent opening of the enrollment period, the Affordable Care Act is now in effect. For the first time in our country’s history, Americans —including individuals who might never have been insured before—are now mandated by the government to have health care coverage or risk a tax penalty.

If you are unsure about what all of this means to you, you aren’t alone. According to a recent CBS News poll, 51 percent of Americans are still confused about the Affordable Care Act. However, a session at the Do It Herself: A Journey to Financial Freedom conference on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Oklahoma State University-Tulsa campus, will shed some light on what the new health care law means to the uninsured, self-employed and full-time employees.

Mary Garber, CPA, vice president of finance for Mercy Hospital in Ada, Okla., will help attendees reach a better understanding of the law. She also will discuss how the expansion of Medicaid via the exchanges will impact individuals.

“It’s easy to see why many are confused about the new law,” Garber said. “I hope those in attendance gain a confidence in their knowledge of the many changes coming in the health care world. These changes will affect us, our families and our friends. Perhaps they will be able to pass along their understanding to others.”

Created for women, by women, Do It Herself also will have sessions on various topics including: basic budgeting, managing credit cards, identity theft protection, investing for beginners, income tax planning and the best smartphone apps for managing and saving money.

Garber added that this venue provides an affordable, convenient and fun way to learn more about a wide variety of important financial topics. Women of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds will gain beneficial and valuable information from attending.

Do It Herself is presented by the Tulsa Chapter of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants and sponsored Williams Companies. The conference is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 and include lunch. Refreshments and an exhibit area also will be available, and prizes will be given away. For more information and to register visit www.KnowWhatCounts.org or call (800) 522-8261, ext. 3806.